Christmas is a time for joy and celebration, and for families with children to create magical memories they will cherish forever. But for parents who are in the midst of divorce or separation it can be one of toughest times, with one side facing the prospect of not spending this special day with the children. For separating or divorcing parents, coming to a decision as to who will get to have the children on Christmas Day can be the first big hurdle they have to face and is often fraught with tension

Young professionals and students are finding that they are faced with a far more challenging environment due to increased legislation and compliance requirements. Maria Monan who has had significant experience in dealing with such cases recently represented a young professional accused of assaulting a child in the work place which was discontinued at the police station. This complex case involving a student teacher highlighted the general lack of support and paucity of training often given to students,

How can you be guilty of an offence you did not actively take part in or know was going to happen?
Whether you were the person who was holding the gun, the driver of the getaway car or even in receipt of communication from someone involved in the offence at the time of an incident, you can be equally responsible and prosecuted under the joint enterprise doctrine. This allows a number of people to be prosecuted for an offence without the requirement to consider each person’s individual involvement

The Crown’s case centred around two allegations of rape of a girl under 16 years, following Maria Monan‘s advice at a voluntary interview the defendant submitted a written statement, this was closely followed by comprehensive written representations which resulted in the case being discontinued.

Neal Gozzett successfully defends a motorist who faced an immediate ban for driving 85mph in a 50mph zone. She had pleaded guilty by post prior to legal advice and Gozzett successfully persuaded the court to re-open the case under s.142 Magistrates Court Act 1980 and vacate her guilty plea. He persuaded the Prosecution that it wasn’t in the Interests of Justice to pursue the allegation due to her medical circumstances at the time of the offence. After the successful submission to the court the